Category: Identity/Self Image

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Yesterday we talked about the importance of our identity. In Christ we've been made new and give a brand new identity. Jesus came into this world to save sinners and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Now we've been born again into the family of God. We are children of God. Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God..."

• How do we answer those who claim the power of the Holy Spirit gives us the power to keep the law? What about those who claim physical healing based on Isaiah 53?
• Roman asks if it's OK to drink alcohol as a Christian?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Law Christian Living

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

What you see with every human being is the quest to find the answer to the question, 'who am I?" The Bible answers that question for us and we find the complete answer in Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus we are sinners by nature. When we come to Christ we become saints. A brand new identity.

• Isaiah 59:2 was given to me as proof that God doesn't hear the prayers of unbelievers. Is this true?
• When Jesus said "if you deny me before men, I'll deny you before the father", does that apply to me?
• How do I learn to recognize and receive answers from God?
• Susie asks for a fuller explanation of the promises of the New Covenant.

Categories: Identity/Self Image Bible Christian Living Prayer New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

What is the Gospel? Paul spells it out clearly: "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received..."

• Are we sinners or saints? How do we address Galatians 2:17, 1 Timothy 1:15, and especially James 4:8?
• At 72, Carol still struggles with reliving all the pain of her life and asks how can she overcome those memories.
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/basicgospel
• Deborah fears about her financial future and writes: " I don't want to fear because I know that it shows lack of trust in God."

Categories: New Covenant Identity/Self Image Christian Living Emotions/Depression

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

When we don't know who we are, we play religious games to try to figure out who we are. But God wants us to know we are children of God. John wrote: "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

• How do I answer someone who questions the validity of the Gospels?
• I have learned that it is not by works (what we do or believe), it is by Grace. So how can I interpret that?
• Can you speak a little about using verses such as Jeremiah 29:11 to prove a point even though it was spoken to a specific individual or nation?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Apologetics Prayer Bible Law

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Let's talk about our identity in Christ. "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8:15-17

• UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/
• What is the meaning of the Scripture saying that Jesus sticks closer than a brother? Proverbs 18:24
• https://basicgospel.net/video/tithing
• I was just listening to a pastor pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured down on him and congregation, didn't sound right.
• Can you point me to resources I can use in my walk to become a true disciple and accurately share the good news?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Testimonies/Thanks Holy Spirit Christian Living

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Andrew Farley

Why is it so important to understand our identity in Jesus Christ? Andrew talks about this vitally important topic.

• Why did Jesus speak in parables?
• UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/
• Why is it that I still have lusts such as looking at girls, marijuana or beer. If Christ is in me, why do i have a heart to do these things?
• I believe that the judgment he describes is not for those of us who are in Jesus, but for those who remain on the earth later. Can you please clarify the way judgement works?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Bible Sin

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Come join us for a life-changing conference. UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://basicgospel.net/youtube
• "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?" Galatians 4:8-9
• Sharon calls to say, "Thanks for Sunday Morning Live". She's having issues with what her church is teaching.
• How do I handle guilty feelings for past mistakes?
• I can't help but think that my marriage was a bad decision and that divorce may be in the future. What should I do?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Christian Living Marriage

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Come join us for a life-changing conference. UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/

• What does it mean to be close to God. John wrote: We've been brought into relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. In John 17 we see God's desire for us to be close to Him. John 17:3 "... this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
• https://basicgospel.net/video/how-can-i-grow-close-god
• Lois asks about Romans 7:13. What is this saying to me?
• Could you explain the difference between feasting and gluttony, both which are described in the Bible?
• Is there any problems being baptized if one has mental health problems?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Christian Living Bible Baptism

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed." 1 Corinthians 15:10 Everything about Paul from the moment he met Jesus was given to him by the grace of God. And that's the same for you and me.

• UNITED Conference - October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/
• Ed asks about passages that have different meanings depending on the translation. Which is the most accurate translation?
• Stuart emails to say he feels alone in his faith and is looking for hope.
• Please help me with Matthew 16:28.
• Are believers still expected to observe and honour the Lord with firstfruit offerings today?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Bible Faith Money/Giving

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

So many ask, "How can I be close to God?" And often that has to do with feeling. They want to feel close to God. But closeness to God has to do with location, not a feeling. Our feelings change, but the truth of Christ in you will never change. We are one with Him in spirit. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13

• Can you explain the "With fear and trembling" part?
• A caller asks about Hebrews 8:13. Why do so many continue to live under the Old Covenant when "... what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."?
• Ryan calls to say "thank you" to Basic Gospel Nation for prayers and support during his struggle with brain cancer.
• How did reconciliation occur before Jesus?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Christian Living New Covenant Testimonies/Thanks Salvation

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

How do we experience closeness to Jesus Christ? I hope that you see that God wants to be close to you and has initiated a plan to make that happen. "For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God." Hebrews 7:18-19

• Are we a sinner or a saint?
• Since forgiveness alone is not salvation ... and life is found only in Jesus Christ, what's the meaning of the phrase, "reconciled the world to Himself", as written in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Forgiveness/Repentance

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Andrew Farley

We can truly experience joy and contentment in our Christian life. A lot of us spend our life in Christ looking forward to a future date. But, in Christ, we can be satisfied here and now. Instead of worry and fear, we can believe the promise of God to take care of us. Knowing that your contentment is rock solid in Christ will carry you through any circumstance you may experience.

• I worry about what God thinks about me. I want to grow closer to Jesus but all this self conscious behavior makes me feel very uptight.
• UNITED: https://basicgospel.net/united/ October 15-17, 2021
• Albert asks about forgiveness being for the entire world or just believers?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Forgiveness/Repentance

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

"Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God." Romans 7:4 We belonged to sin and death, but Jesus set us free from that and we belong to Jesus.

• Does God intervene on car purchases? I prayed and nothing happened.
• I've always wondered about this passage ... Revelation 10:4, "Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them."
• United - https://basicgospel.net/united/
• Christina is concerned about her unwed relative and how to work through their relationship.

Categories: Identity/Self Image End Times Christian Living

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Who are you thankful for? Philippians is a book about thankfulness, joy, and contentment that we can have in Jesus Christ. We are connected to Christ and because of that he works in an through us to do good works. We can rejoice. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." Philippians 4:4

• Why do preachers tell Christians they are sinners?
• Do we need 1 John 1:9 for forgiveness as Christians?
• How do we vote for the value of life when there are so many issues around life?

Categories: Christian Living Identity/Self Image Forgiveness/Repentance

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

As we come to the point where we say, "Yes. I believe." we receive a brand new life and a brand new identity. And we can rest assured that nothing can separate us from the love of God. "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:14 Our new realm of life is in the spirit, let by the Spirit of God.

• Does the tithe still apply today?
• How do you get filled with the Holy Spirit?
• Serene asks about reopening the country and the anxiety that her grandson is struggling with.

Categories: Identity/Self Image Money/Giving Holy Spirit Emotions/Depression

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

There's a lot going on in the news today. There's a lot of worry and a lot of fear. There's all kind of fear out there. But in light of that let's look at what the Word has to say. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

• A caller asks if animal sacrifices will resume according to Zechariah 14:16?
• What is the difference between Christ's identity in us vs. our identity in him?
• What does a repenting church look like? How would the church go about repenting? What are the roles and responsibilities? Who would take the lead? Revelation 1-3
• Who are the "few" in Matthew 7:14? "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Categories: Bible Identity/Self Image End Times

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

You may be saying, "I know God has forgiven me. But I'm having a hard time forgiving myself." How do we forgive ourselves? We have to realize that since he has forgiven us we should forgive ourselves too. C.S. Lewis puts it this way: "I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves."

• What is the flesh? Are we in the flesh? Is the flesh sinful or is it the power of sin that makes us sin?
• I turned back to the Lord 4 months ago. Do I have to be saved again?

Categories: Forgiveness/Repentance Identity/Self Image Salvation

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Today is "Make a Friend Day". And we're here to make friends. Jesus had this conversation with his disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, ... but I have called you friends, " John 15:15 Moses was also known as "a friend of God". When we know that we are friends... children of God... then we know we are secure in Christ.

• Some people think 1 John 1:9 is for believers, others say it's for justification. What do you think?
• How long is eternal life?
• If you die in sin can you lose salvation?
• What do we say to those who do not know the exact moment they became alive, as in when their belief really took Christ at his word?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Hard Passages Heaven Salvation

Andrew Farley, Bob Davis

• My pastor recently stated, "if someone doesn't believe in tithing he doesn't see how you can be a Christian."
• What is the "inner man" in Ephesians 3:16 "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" KJV
• How do I not fear death?
• What does Paul mean in 1 Timothy 2:15? "Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control."
• Glenn asks about his encounter with the Holy Spirit.
• I asked Christ into my heart at age 18... Now at age 75, how can I know that Hebrews 6 doesn't mean that I am a lost soul?

Categories: Money/Giving Identity/Self Image Bible Holy Spirit Salvation

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Andrew Farley

One of the questions all of humanity ask, is: "Who am I?" But we will never find that identity until we fine our true identity in Jesus Christ. "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ..." Romans 8:15

• Why do we keep wanting to do something in order to be forgiven?
• Twisted Scripture Conference - https://andrewfarley.org November 16th in Dallas.
• Is rudeness signs of a godless society? Is it just the norm?
• So many teach easy believism. Do we not need to repent and make Jesus lord of our life?

Categories: Identity/Self Image Forgiveness/Repentance Salvation